PITTSBURGH -- A complaint was filed Monday night accusing Pittsburgh police of harassing would-be
G-20 protesters.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed the complaint in District Court on behalf of two groups, The Seeds of Peace Collective and the Three Rivers Climate Convergence.
The groups alleged that members were victims of illegal searches, seizures and harassment.
A hearing was scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday.
After seeking the court hearing, the Pennsylvania branch of the ACLU reported that officers stopped a bus belonging to Seeds of Peace in the 500 block of Larimer Avenue in Pittsburgh's Larimer neighborhood.
A WTAE Channel 4 Action News crew at the scene reported seeing about 100 demonstrators involved. Pittsburgh police said no one was arrested or cited at the incident.
Refresh ThePittsburghChannel.com often and watch Channel 4 Action News for the latest updates.
What Is The G-20?
G-20 -- the Group of 20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors -- was established in 1999 "to bring together systemically important industrialized and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy," according to its Web site,
G20.org.
Countries from all over the world -- including the U.S., Canada, China, France, Germany, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Russia -- are involved in the
G-20 summit.
The gathering typically attracts a variety of protesters from around the world. In April, London saw mostly peaceful protests about economic policy, the banking system and bankers' bonuses, climate change concerns and the war on terror.
Photo Slideshow: World Leaders, Protests At G-20 SummitDuring the last
G-20, a peaceful protest dubbed "Financial Fools' Day" was held April 1 by the Pittsburgh Organizing Group, a local anarchist group. Members and supporters gathered in Market Square before marching around downtown, stopping at several banks and government offices.
More Info: What IS G-20?Official Web Site: PittsburghG20.org
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